Buying when you’re self employed

If you’re self-employed and trying to buy, you’ve probably felt this…

You earn decent money. You’re organised. You run a business, juggle clients, lodge BAS, pay tax and somehow keep 1,000 other balls in the air like a star circus performer.

And yet, the moment you mention you’re self-employed and looking to buy a home, the room goes quiet.

Suddenly it’s:

“Your income is too complicated. The bank won’t like that. Have you considered a real salaried job?”

No wonder buying a home as a self-employed person can feel like you’re trying to convince a jury that you’re a real adult.

The problem isn’t your income. It’s the strategy around it.

That’s where we come in.

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Hi, I’m Nikki, and I help people with non-standard incomes buy homes. Here’s what most people don’t realise:

Being self-employed doesn’t make you unborrowable. It just means you need a different approach. Here’s what’s worth understanding:

  • Being self-employed is often a strength – if it’s positioned properly

  • Lenders generally look at net income rather than gross income, though the way that income is assessed can vary depending on your business structure

  • Liabilities held in your personal or business name can affect how your borrowing capacity is calculated

  • You may hear that two years of financials are required. While financial history is still important, some lenders now have more flexible policies for self-employed applicants, so understanding individual lending policies is key for self-employed applicants

  • Similarly, while many lenders prefer an ABN to be established for two years, there are exceptions depending on the circumstances

Here’s the thing: We’re self-employed too. We know exactly what it means to work for yourself, and how much harder you must push to get ahead. Self-employed people are passionate and driven, and exactly the sort of people we want to work with.

“You’re making some of the biggest financial decisions of your lives and I’m here to guide and empower you.”

Nikki Berkin

We had a particularly unusual situation which the banks could not get their head around. Nikki worked tirelessly to ensure they had all of the relevant information and answers to their many, many questions. The process took longer than normal but due to Nikki's tenacity, hard work and perseverance, we got there in the end. Thank you Nikki, a truly fantastic job!

Toni Johnson, Google Review

Ready to make this happen?

Let’s start your home buying journey

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Let’s have a relaxed, no-obligation conversation to look at your situation properly and map out realistic next steps.

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How does it Work?

Are you the kind of person who likes to understand all the nuts and bolts before you dive in? We get it. Here’s what to expect…

  • Everything begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand you: your current situation, your goals and what you want life to look like in the short and long term.

    And no, it’s never too early. In fact, starting the conversation a year (or more) before you plan to buy often puts you in the strongest possible position.

    —> Simply book a time here.

  • Based on that conversation, Cherry Lending + Finance creates a practical, personalised plan so you know exactly where you stand and what to focus on next.

    That might include options like rent-vesting or alternative pathways into the market – strategies that are often overlooked but can make a real difference.

    The goal is simple: clarity, confidence and choices that actually fit your life.

  • With a clear strategy and pre-approval in place, you can start looking at properties with confidence. We’re here to bounce ideas, sense-check options and talk through the pros and cons as you go – so you’re never making decisions in a vacuum.

  • This is the part most people find the most stressful – and the part where Cherry Lending + Finance steps in fully.

    When it’s time to make an offer and secure the loan, we manage the entire process from application through to settlement. We liaise with lenders, agents and conveyancers, handle the paperwork and keep everything moving so you can focus on the decision, not the admin.

    Then, we celebrate!

  • Many brokers disappear once the deal is done. We don’t.

    Cherry Lending + Finance proactively reviews your loan each year to make sure it’s still working for you. If better options become available, we’ll let you know. And if your circumstances or goals change, we’re always here to talk through what comes next.

    Because buying a home is just the beginning.